Gary Danielson and his wife, Kristy Danielson, are university sweethearts; their love story traces back to their time at Purdue University.
Lots of college relationships start with the excitement of youth and the fun times on campus. But not all of them stand the test of time!
It’s really special and heartwarming when a love story from college keeps going, and Gary and Kristy Danielson show us just that – their love has lasted a long time.
Gary Dennis Danielson is an American college football commentator and a former NFL quarterback.
He played for the Detroit Lions from 1976 to 1984 and briefly for the Cleveland Browns in 1985, 1987, and 1988.
Since 2006, Gary has been a commentator for CBS Sports, focusing on Southeastern Conference college football.
Danielson began his football journey at Divine Child High School in Dearborn, Michigan. He continued his football career at Purdue University.
Before his NFL career, Danielson spent two years in the World Football League, playing for the New York Stars/Charlotte Hornets in 1974 and the Chicago Winds in 1975.
During his NFL career, Danielson threw for 13,764 yards and 81 touchdowns in 101 games, ranking fourth in Lions history for passing yards and touchdowns.
He still holds a Lions record for five touchdowns in a single game, achieved in a 1978 matchup against the Minnesota Vikings.
Gary Danielson Wife Kristy Danielson Went To Purdue
Gary Danielson’s wife, Kristy Danielson, is known to have met him during their college years at Purdue University.
At Purdue, Kristy’s father (George King) served as the athletic director and head basketball coach.
The couple’s love story blossomed in this collegiate setting, eventually leading to their marriage on May 26, 1973.
However, detailed information about Kristy Danielson beyond her connection to Purdue University and her marriage to Gary Danielson is not widely available in the public domain.
Nevertheless, Kristy and Gary have built a life together over the years, raising four children together. All of their children attended the Rochester Adams High School.
One of their sons, Matt Danielson, followed in his father’s footsteps and pursued a college football career at Northwestern.
Gary and Kristy’s other children’s names are Tracy Danielson, Kelly Danielson, and Molly Danielson.
More On Their Son, Matt Danielson!
Matt Danielson, the son of Gary and Kristy Danielson, is a former college football player who attended Northwestern University.
He played as a quarterback and was part of the Northwestern team. His college major was in sociology.
Matt was born in Rochester Hills, Michigan, on June 18, 1979. He made significant contributions to the team as a quarterback and on special teams.
In his high school career at Rochester Adams, Matt achieved honors and led his team to the playoffs for the first time in the school’s history.
Matt’s statistics from the 2000 season show a 50% completion rate, one touchdown pass, and 1 rushing touchdown.
The Danielson Family’s Tragic Loss
In 1980, Gary Danielson, the former NFL quarterback and college football commentator, and his wife, Kristy Danielson, faced an unimaginable tragedy.
In that year, the couple celebrated the birth of their daughter, Kaity Danielson, which undoubtedly filled their lives with joy and hope.
However, their happiness was short-lived as their precious daughter passed away just nine days after her birth due to a heart ailment.
🦁 OTD in 1980: Lions' QB Gary Danielson led DET to a 29-7 win over the Packers. Just 3 days earlier, Gary & wife Kristie's 9 day old daughter Kaity died of a heart ailment. Gary completed 11/17 for 246 yds & 1 TD, carrying the Lions to a 2-0 start. #OnePride pic.twitter.com/tvbwWUotok
— 80s Football Cards 🏈 🙌 (@80sFootballCard) September 15, 2019
Gary Danielson, despite facing such a devastating personal tragedy, displayed incredible strength on the football field.
Just three days after their daughter’s passing, he led the Detroit Lions to a 29-7 victory over the Green Bay Packers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS)
Who is Gary Danielson Wife?
Gary Danielson wife is Kristy Danielson. They met at Purdue University during their college years and married on May 26, 1973.
